We had the good fortune of connecting with Spencer Ratliff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Spencer, how do you think about risk?
Risk has definitely been an integral role in my life and career. I believe you cannot be an entrepreneur without it. I have taken a lot of risks especially in the last 15 years but one of the biggest was starting Able Trade. I already had my own busy furniture design business, my wife and I just had our first baby and Covid 19 had just shut down America, but I signed the lease anyway. Able Trade is now almost four years old and although it was a rocky start, I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel that this risk could pay off. Knowing when and how much to risk is really just trying to figure out the right amount of stupid. Most risk isn’t considered the “smart” choice but only your own experience and gut can tell you what amount is right for you.

What should our readers know about your business?
Able Trade is a fully-equipped wood and metal shop designed to give artists, builders, and creatives better access to facilities, tools, and most importantly other creatives. A variety of different tiered memberships are available to access all the amenities of an industrial shop without having to own it all yourself. Whether you are a professional looking for a studio space to run your business or a weekend hobbyist just looking for access to tools when the need arises, Able Trade offers plans for each. We also offer a variety of classes, gallery nights and a cyc wall photography studio available for rent. We are here to be a resource, for new businesses, trades, and artists.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would start our day at Wild Love getting a pastry and a coffee. Then we would go downtown to the shops & galleries around Market Square and Gay St. We would have lunch at Potchke and get the Bat Mitzvah Show Stopper and a Fennel tonic. Then we would go visit one of the amazing parks in Knoxville depending on the season. The Botanical gardens in the spring to see all the spring blooms, UT gardens in the summer to see the roses and the coy pond. the Smoky Mountains National Park in the fall to see the incredible fall colors. Or maybe we would take an afternoon and swim at Fort Dickerson Quarry to enjoy the clear water and stunning scenery. In the evening A Dopo or Emilia would be our top dinner choices and maybe we would catch a show at the Tennessee Theater, The Bijou, or The Mill and Mine. End the night with a night cap at Public House and you’d have completed the perfect Knoxville day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people are to thank for keeping Able Trade alive thus far. My dad believed in me and my vision from the very start. He helped me financially and provided lots of helpful advice. I had four main friends that I worked with that committed to the shared shop concept in the very beginning and if it wasn’t for them buying in right off the bat there is no way I would have done it. They volunteered so many hours to helping me get the business up and running and have continued to bring in valuable members and support. My wife has been a constant with it all. She was the one who encouraged me to start my first business and since has quit her other jobs to take over the business side of Able Trade as well as be the primary care giver to our two boys. And of course all our Able Trade members are the only reason why this business can work. They have created a culture of friendship, collaboration, and encouragement that makes coming to work fun. So many of our members have the group mindset and just do things that need done instead of taking the lazy selfish way of expecting someone else to clean up after them. I’m constantly in awe of the people that have chosen to be a part of Able Trade.

Website: weareabletrade.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abletradeknox/

Image Credits
Daniel Clay and Aaron Ingram

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